Electric machines with efficient torque transitions

ABSTRACT

An electric machine is provided. A polyphase machine is provided. A power inverter is electrically connected to the polyphase machine. A controller is electrically connected to the power inverter, wherein the controller provides switching signals to the power inverter, wherein the controller comprises a trajectory calculator that provides an optimized trajectory for transitioning the polyphase machine from a first torque to a second torque.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Application No.63/210,345, filed Jun. 14, 2021, which is incorporated herein byreference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates generally to electric machines.

The term “machine” as used herein is intended to be broadly construed tomean both electric motors and generators. Electric motors and generatorsare structurally very similar. Both include a stator having a number ofpoles and a rotor. When a machine is operating as a motor, it convertselectrical energy into mechanical energy. When operating as a generator,the machine converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

SUMMARY

To achieve the foregoing and in accordance with the purpose of thepresent disclosure, an electric machine is provided. A polyphase machineis provided. A power inverter is electrically connected to the polyphasemachine. A controller is electrically connected to the power inverter,wherein the controller provides switching signals to the power inverter,wherein the controller comprises a trajectory calculator that providesan optimized trajectory for transitioning the polyphase machine from afirst torque to a second torque.

In another manifestation, a method for transitioning a polyphase machinefrom a first torque level to a second torque level, where the polyphasemachine is controlled by a controller is provided. An optimizedtrajectory from the controller is provided to the polyphase machine,wherein the optimized trajectory provides an optimized trajectory fortransitioning the polyphase machine from the first torque level to thesecond torque level.

These and other features of the present disclosure will be described inmore detail below in the detailed description and in conjunction withthe following figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention and the advantages thereof may best be understood byreference to the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an electric machine in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a high level flow chart that is used in some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an electric machine in accordance withsome embodiments with a pulsed torque.

FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the improvement provided by someembodiments.

In the drawings, like reference numerals are sometimes used to designatelike structural elements. It should also be appreciated that thedepictions in the figures are diagrammatic and not to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Modern electric machines have relatively high energy conversionefficiencies. The energy conversion efficiency of most electricmachines, however, can vary considerably based on their operationalload. With many applications, a machine is required to operate under awide variety of different operating load conditions. In addition, thetorque provided by an electric machine may vary over operation requiringa variation from a first torque to a second torque. The first torque maybe a first torque level and the second torque may be a second torquelevel.

Most electric machines (motors and generators) are controlled to deliverthe highest efficiency under steady state conditions with noconsideration for transient periods. Also, for high bandwidth torquecontrollers, minimum possible transient periods are desired which mostlyleads to suboptimal control due to controller output saturation.

A study of torque transitions indicates that most if not all electricmotor control laws simply try to transition the torque as fast aspossible. Most Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) torque controllersfor polyphase motors either under-utilize the bus voltage or saturatethe controller outputs that lead to sub-optimal control during thetransient. Under-utilization of the bus voltage leads to slow torqueresponse, but uncontrolled controller saturation leads to fast responsebut at low efficiencies. Therefore, a solution is needed that maximizescontroller output to ensure the fastest possible transition time whilstmaximizing the efficiency during that transition time.

Typically, for a MIMO system such as a polyphase electric motor,controller gains are tuned such that the controller output remainswithin the bounds of the system capability such as the bus voltage andcurrent limits of the inverter. In such a scenario, the bus voltage isunderutilized if the controller is linear. However, an over-tuned torquecontroller and many other high bandwidth controllers includingnon-linear ones tend to saturate the output thereby fully utilizing thebus voltage during a transient. However, the trajectory of the powerapplied to the motor does not follow an optimal relationship as definedby Maximum Torque Per Amp (MTPA), Maximum Torque Per Loss (MTPL),Maximum Torque Per Flux (MTPF), or Maximum Torque Per Volt (MTPV)control strategies during such saturation. In essence, most techniquescurrently used trade torque performance against transient efficiency toa large degree.

Some embodiments deal with maximizing transient efficiency with minimumpossible transient times by maximizing bus voltage utilization andensuring that torque trajectory remains on at least one of a MTPA, MTPL,MTPF, or MTPV path during the torque transient for any polyphaseelectric motor. Various embodiments use different approaches/techniquesthat can achieve such performance. In some examples, three techniques ofmany possible techniques are described to demonstrate some embodimentsof this invention, where the three techniques are described below:

-   -   1) Optimal Torque Rate Limiting for Maximum Bus Voltage        Utilization.    -   2) Optimal I_(d)/Iq Rate Limiting/Voltage Angle for Maximum Bus        Voltage Utilization.    -   3) Open Loop I_(q) Control with I_(q) Feedback as I_(d)        Reference when the Q axis time constant is greater than the D        axis time constant. When the D axis time constant is greater        than the Q axis time constant then an Open Loop I_(d) control        with I_(d) feedback is as I_(q) Reference is used.

All three methods make full use of the bus voltage used during thetorque transient and share the bus voltage optimally between the D axisand Q axis resulting in max efficiency. In some embodiments, a computeroptimization algorithm may be used to determine path optimizedtrajectories.

The first method relies on calculating the maximum torque achievable inthe next sampling period i.e., T[k+1]. Such a controller requires a highbandwidth inverse model controller such as a deadbeat controller. It canwork either with a direct torque flux control loop or I_(d)/I_(q)current vector control.

Consider a case of a synchronous reluctance motor. Voltages Vd, Vq, andtherefore vector magnitude Vs can be computed as follows.

${{{V_{d}\lbrack k\rbrack} = {{{I_{d}\lbrack k\rbrack}R_{s}} + {\frac{L_{d}}{T_{s}}\left( {{I_{d}\left\lbrack {k + 1} \right\rbrack} - {I_{d}\lbrack k\rbrack}} \right)} - {\omega_{e}L_{q}{I_{q}\lbrack k\rbrack}}}};}{{{V_{q}\lbrack k\rbrack} = {{{I_{q}\lbrack k\rbrack}R_{s}} + {\frac{L_{q}}{T_{s}}\left( {{I_{q}\left\lbrack {k + 1} \right\rbrack} - {I_{q}\lbrack k\rbrack}} \right)} + {\omega_{e}L_{d}{I_{d}\lbrack k\rbrack}}}};}{{V_{s}\lbrack k\rbrack} = \sqrt{{V_{d}\lbrack k\rbrack}^{2} + {V_{q}\lbrack k\rbrack}^{2}}}$where [k] is the Sampling Instance k^(th), I_(d) is the Direct AxisStator Current, I_(q) is Quadrature Axis Stator Current, L_(d) is DirectAxis Stator Inductance, L_(q) is Quadrature Axis Stator Inductance,V_(d) is Direct Axis Stator Voltage, V_(q) is Quadrature Axis StatorVoltage, V_(s) is Stator Voltage Vector Magnitude, ω_(e) is RotorElectrical Frequency, rad/s, and R_(s) is Per Phase Stator Resistance,ohms.

Id/Iq references can be computed as functions of torque, rpm, and busvoltage can be derived using MTPA, MTPL, or MTPV equations or a lookuptable (LUT) that satisfy these equations.I _(d)[k]=f ₁(rpm[k],V _(bus)[k],τ[k]);I _(q)[k]=f ₂(rpm[k],V _(bus)[k],τ[k]);I _(d)[k+1]=f ₁(rpm[k+1],V _(bus)[k+1],τ[k+1]);I _(q)[k+1]=f ₂(rpm[k+1],V _(bus)[k+1],τ[k+1]);where [k+1] is the Sampling Instance (k+1)^(th), V_(bus) is DC BusVoltage Available to Power Inverter,

Since rotations per minute (RPM) and Vbus do not change significantly inone sampling time, Torque[k+1] can be swept between Min and Max torquefrom which Id[k], Iq[k], Id[k+1], Iq[k+1] can be used to derive Vs[k].The value of Torque[k+1] must be chosen for the controller whichsatisfies Vs[k]=Vmax. In this manner, Vs is maximized while satisfyingMTPA, MTPL, or MTPV conditions using the f1( ) and f2( ) functionsabove. Torque[k+1] can then be used to rate limit the torque command.

Such optimal Torque[k+1] selection can be either done using real-timemanual sweep and search algorithms like binary search or using 3-D LUTtaking rpm[k], V_(bus) [k], τ[k] as inputs.

The second method relies on calculating optimal voltage angle andvoltage magnitude that satisfies MTPA, MTPL, or MTPV when Vs=Vmax.Consider the voltage equation for Synchronous Reluctance Motor indiscrete state space form when Vs is set to Vmax.

${{{I_{d}\left\lbrack {k + 1} \right\rbrack} = {{T_{s}{I_{d}\lbrack k\rbrack}} + {\frac{1}{L_{d}}\left( {{V_{\max}\cos\left( \phi_{v} \right)} - {{I_{d}\lbrack k\rbrack}R_{s}} + {\omega_{e}L_{q}{I_{q}\lbrack k\rbrack}}} \right)}}};}{{{I_{q}\left\lbrack {k + 1} \right\rbrack} = {{T_{s}{I_{q}\lbrack k\rbrack}} + {\frac{1}{L_{q}}\left( {{V_{\max}\sin\left( \phi_{v} \right)} - {{I_{q}\lbrack k\rbrack}R_{s}} - {\omega_{e}L_{d}{I_{d}\lbrack k\rbrack}}} \right)}}};}$where ϕ_(v) is Stator Voltage Vector Angle referred to Direct Axis andV_(max) is Maximum Allowed Stator Voltage Vector Magnitude.

If ϕ_(v) is swept from 0° to 360°, then I_(d) [k+1] and I_(q) [k+1] canbe plotted against ϕ_(v). Value of ϕ_(v) is chosen where I_(d) [k+1] andI_(q) [k+1] satisfy MTPA, MTPL or MTPV condition. At this point, eitherI_(d) [k+1] and I_(q) [k+1] can be used to rate limit commands to thedeadbeat controller or ϕ_(v) can be used directly to compute V_(d) [k]and V_(q) [k] for the controller output during transient.

If the D axis has a higher time constant than the Q axis, then the thirdmethod uses Proportional Integral controller and the fact that the timeconstant of the D axis has a higher time constant than the Q axis, andtherefore, applies full voltage to the slow time constant axis initiallyand allows I_(d) to ramp up limited only by the motor time constant.I_(d) feedback is then utilized to generate I_(q) reference usingoptimal MTPA, MTPV, or MTPL tables. The output of the Q-axis controlloop then perturbs the voltage angle away from D-axis so, that thevoltage is optimally shared between the two axes. If the Q axis has ahigher time constant than the D axis, then the third method usesProportional Integral controller and the fact that the time constant ofthe Q axis has a higher time constant than the D axis, and therefore,applies full voltage to the slow time constant axis initially and allowsI_(q) to ramp up limited only by the motor time constant. I_(q) feedbackis then utilized to generate I_(d) reference using optimal MTPA, MTPV,or MTPL tables. The output of the D-axis control loop then perturbs thevoltage angle away from Q-axis so, that the voltage is optimally sharedbetween the two axes.

Computer optimization algorithms can be used to help define the optimalpath for both I_(d) and I_(q) during the torque transition for anydesired trajectory including MTPA, MTPV and MTPL. The result of this maybe a Look Up Table (LUT) or a mathematical equation that can beprocessed real time in the controller. In some embodiments, the computeroptimization algorithms may be at least one of numerical optimization,dynamic programming, and model predictive control. In variousembodiments the computer optimization algorithm may be used online oroffline. When used offline, a LUT may be generated by the computeroptimization algorithm.

In some embodiments using numerical optimization, an ordinarydifferential equation (ODE) solver is used along with a motor model in adifferential equation format to provide an estimate of how the modelstates will change over time when the control inputs are applied at eachstep. With each ODE solution, a cost can be calculated to penalize orreward some goal, such as following a torque target, while alsoconstraining signals or states within rounds. If such an optimization isnot able to be done in real time, the optimization may be calculatedahead of time and stored in a LUT. In an example of a numericaloptimization, a cost function of objective to be met over a specifiedperiod of time is provided. Initial values are specified for controlinputs, such as voltages. In some embodiments, the control inputs may betwo or more of V_(d), V_(q), voltage magnitude, and voltage angle. Inthis example, the ODE is solved assuming voltage inputs are applied ateach time. In this example, cost is calculated based on ODE results. Insome embodiments, the Cost (J) can be a single function or any sum ofmultiple costs. Practical cost functions may reward the ability tofollow the torque trajectory, or reward increasing valuable statisticssuch as torque per unit current or be barrier functions which penalizeviolating of constraints such as bus voltage or armature current limits.Cost functions can change over time, or over multiple iterations, whichis an important aspect of using boundary functions. Value of voltageinputs are iterated over time and are terminated at some condition,yielding cost optimal vectors for control inputs. In some embodiments,The ODE is solved and optimized over one time step, then the next, etc.Once completed, all the trajectories can be concatenated together tocome up with an optimal long term cost.

In some embodiments, dynamic programming may also be used to derive acost optimal trajectory. The differential equation problem would beconverted from a problem of numerical integration to one of selectingtransitions between states in time, where each transition has a certaincost associated with it. By representing the problem as a series ofpaths from desired end state to beginning, dynamic programming may beused to select a cost optimal path, and therefore a cost optimaltrajectory of states and inputs. This method takes advantage of thePrinciple of Optimality due to its structure.

Economic Model Predictive Control could be setup using parts of thedirect optimization method. The “Economic” aspect being that the “cost”being used to solve this problem will be an arbitrary cost function,rather than one of the ODE states such as current or flux. An ODEproblem would still be solved, and a cost with possible constraintswould still be calculated based on the ODE result, but the number ofelements optimized for the problem would be limited to the first fewtime steps, with the last input held for remaining time. This ensuresthat the long-term trajectory is cost optimal and constrained, but theproblem is small enough to be solved quickly. A larger, offline solutioncould be constructed by solving the Model Predictive Control problem andsaving the first control inputs for each time step.

Current techniques either deliver torque response performance with poortransient efficiencies or limit the rate of change of the torque demandsuch that the control stays within the voltage limitation. Someembodiments optimize the torque transient period. Some embodimentsdeliver high efficiencies during the transient periods with minimumpossible transient periods. Some embodiments assume quasi-steady statebehavior during transient due to the time constants being longer thanthe sampling time and force the system to transition through the mostoptimal state trajectory to ensure efficiency maximization.

Some embodiments have the potential to increase the efficiency of anyelectric motor control not just torque controlled motors as used in thetraction industry and therefore complementary to the existing controlstrategy employed.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electric machines system 100 that may beused in some embodiments. The electric machine system 100 comprises apolyphase electric machine 104, a power inverter 108, a power source112, and an inverter controller 116. In the specification and claims,the polyphase electric machine 104 may be a polyphase motor or apolyphase generator. Therefore, in the specification and claims, thepower inverter 108 is a power converter for either a polyphase motor ora polyphase generator. Such a power inverter 108 may also be called apower rectifier. In some embodiments, the power source 112 is a DC powersource. One or more feedback signals are provided from the polyphaseelectric machine 104 to the inverter controller 116.

In some embodiments, the inverter controller 116 may be located withinthe power inverter 108. In some embodiments, the inverter controller 116may be outside of or separate from the power inverter 108. In someembodiments, part of the inverter controller 116 may be within the powerinverter 108 and part of the inverter controller 116 may be outside ofor separate from the power inverter 108. In some embodiments, theinverter controller 116 comprises a torque controller 120, a ramp ratelimiter 122, a trajectory calculator 124, and a torque to currentreferences converter 128. In some embodiments, the inverter controller116 does not have a torque to current references converter 128. In suchembodiments, the user torque command 136 may be provided directly to theramp rate limiter 122. In some embodiments, the inverter controller 116provides switching signals to the power inverter 108. In someembodiments, the switching signal control machine excitation causes theelectric machine to follow an optimized trajectory so that the electricmachine minimizes losses going from first torque to second torque.

In some embodiments, where the polyphase electric machine 104 isoperated as a 3 phase motor, the power inverter 108 is responsible forgenerating three-phase AC power from the DC power supply 112 to drivethe polyphase electric machine 104. The three-phase input power, denotedas phase A 137 a, phase B 137 b, and phase C 137 c, is applied to thewindings of the stator of the polyphase electric machine 104 forgenerating a rotating magnetic field. The lines depicting the variousphases, 137 a, 137 b, and 137 c are depicted with arrows on both endsindicating that current can flow both from the power inverter 108 to thepolyphase electric machine 104 when the machine is used as a 3 phasemotor and that current can flow from the polyphase electric machine 104to the power inverter 108 when the polyphase electric machine 104 isused as a generator. When the polyphase electric machine 104 isoperating as a generator, the power inverter 108 operates as a powerrectifier, and the AC power coming from the polyphase electric machine104 is converted to DC power being stored in the DC power supply 112.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a process that may be used in someembodiments. In some embodiments, a user torque command is received bythe inverter controller 116 (step 204). In an example, the user torquecommand requests that the torque provided by the polyphase electricmachine 104 transitions from a first torque to a second torque. In someembodiments, the trajectory calculator 124 provides an optimizedtrajectory from the first torque to the second torque (step 208). Insome embodiments, the optimized torque trajectory is expressed by aseries of volt or current commands to provide a voltage or current path.Optimized torque trajectory information is provided to the ramp ratelimiter 122 (step 212). The ramp rate limiter provides rate limitinformation to the torque controller 120 (step 216). A controlled torqueinput is provided to the power inverter 108 (step 220) in order toprovide an optimized trajectory to the polyphase electric machine 104.

In some embodiments, trajectory calculator 124 calculates an optimizedtrajectory using at least one of the MTPA, MTPL, MTPF, or MTPV controlstrategies to calculate an optimized trajectory. In some embodiments, anoptimized trajectory is determined using at least one of 1) OptimalTorque Rate Limiting for Maximum Bus Voltage Utilization, OptimalI_(d)/I_(q) Rate Limiting/Voltage Angle for Maximum Bus VoltageUtilization, and Open Loop Iq Control with Iq Feedback as Id Reference.In some embodiments, some of the above methods are used to create alookup table (LUT). The lookup table may provide the first torque andsecond torque as inputs and stored values in the lookup table identifiedby the first torque and second torque are then provided from the lookuptable. In some embodiments, computer optimization using optimizationalgorithms may be used to determine the optimized trajectory.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the electric machine system 100,shown in FIG. 1 , but with the addition of a pulsed torque controllerused in a pulsed electric machine system. Examples of such pulsed torqueelectric machines are described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,742,155 filed onMar. 14, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/353,159 filed on Mar.14, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/644,912, filedon Mar. 19, 2018; 62/658,739, filed on Apr. 17, 2018; and 62/810,861filed on Feb. 26, 2019. Each of the foregoing applications or patents isincorporated herein by reference for all purposes in their entirety. Insuch applications, the torque level transitions occur very frequently(potentially many times a second) and efficient transition controlenables even higher efficiency operation. In some embodiments, thepulsed torque controller 340 provides pulsed torque commands to thetrajectory calculator 124. In some embodiments, the first and secondtorque levels and period pulses provide an overall average output havinga higher energy conversion efficiency than the system would have whenoperating in a continuous manner to deliver the same average output. Inaddition, in some embodiments, the pulse period may be chosen tominimize or reduce noise, vibration, and hardness.

FIG. 4 is a graph of torque or current with respect to time,illustrating a current trajectory that may be used in some embodimentswhich use a pulsed periodic torque operation. In this example, thetorque is pulsed between a first torque T₁ to a second torque T₂ with aperiod of t_(p). In some embodiments, the pulsed torque is provided bythe pulsed torque commands or signals from the pulsed torque controller340. In some embodiments, the first torque T₁ has a magnitude of zero.In this example, the trajectory calculator 124 provides an optimizedtrajectory for the optimal torque to go from the first torque T₁ to thesecond torque T₂, as shown in FIG. 3 . The trajectory provides an I_(q)ramp 412 and an I_(d) ramp 416 that are used to provide a torque ramp420 from the first torque T₁ to the second torque T₂ over a time periodt₁. The torque may be maintained at the second torque T₂ for a period oftime. The torque command may then request that the torque be ramped downfrom the second torque T₂ to the first torque T₁. The trajectoryprovides an I_(q) ramp 422 and an I_(d) ramp 424 that are used toprovide an optimal torque ramp 428 from the second torque T₂ to thefirst torque T₁ over a time period t₂. The torque may be maintained atthe first torque T₁ for a period of time until a pulse period t_(p) iscompleted.

In some embodiments, the trajectories of I_(q) ramp 412 and an I_(d)ramp 416 provide an increased efficiency. Some prior art systems attemptto provide a vertical current ramp in order to attempt to provide avertical torque ramp from the first torque T₁ to the second torque T₂.In such prior art embodiments, the controller outputs are uncontrolledsaturated outputs that lead to a fast response with low efficiencies. Inother prior art devices, a very slow ramping process may be provided,resulting in an under-utilization of bus voltage leads resulting in lowefficiencies and slow torque response. Therefore, the optimizedtrajectory prevents saturated outputs and under-utilization of the busvoltage and therefore provides an improved efficiency.

In some embodiments, the pulse period t_(p) is half of a second so thatthe torque may be transitioned between the first torque T₁ and thesecond torque T₂ several times each second. In some embodiments, thepulse period t_(p) is less than a second. In some embodiments usingpulsed torques provide improved efficiencies several times each second.

By providing an optimized trajectory, the transition from the firsttorque to the second torque is accomplished more efficiently at areduced power usage. Some embodiments provide maximum efficiency betweentorque transitions. In addition, some embodiments ensure that the powertransferred to the motor shaft is maximized during torque transitions.Some embodiments, optimize torque performance by fully utilizing theavailable voltage and current during the transition between a firsttorque and a second torque. A reduction in power usage in an electricmachine that is a motor increases the range of the motor at a givenpower source capacity. A reduction in power usage in an electric machinethat is a generator allows more power to be provided to the DC powersupply 112.

In various embodiments, polyphase machines may include but are notlimited to brushless DC (BLDC) machines, permanent magnet synchronousmachines (PMSM), interior permanent magnet (IPM) machines, wound rotorsynchronous machines, induction machines, and synchronous reluctancemachines. In some embodiments, the polyphase machine may have two ormore phases. As mentioned above, polyphase machines may be polyphasemotors or polyphase generators, or polyphase machines that operate bothas motors or generators. In some embodiments, the torque controller 120may be implemented as different devices, such as a high bandwidthcurrent controller or flux controller.

While this disclosure has been described in terms of several preferredembodiments, there are alterations, modifications, permutations, andvarious substitute equivalents, which fall within the scope of thisdisclosure. It should also be noted that there are many alternative waysof implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present disclosure.It is therefore intended that the following appended claims beinterpreted as including all such alterations, modifications,permutations, and various substitute equivalents as fall within the truespirit and scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, the phrase“A, B, or C” should be construed to mean a logical (“A OR B OR C”),using a non-exclusive logical “OR,” and should not be construed to mean‘only one of A or B or C. Each step within a process may be an optionalstep and is not required. Different embodiments may have one or moresteps removed or may provide steps in a different order. In addition,various embodiments may provide different steps simultaneously insteadof sequentially. In addition, elements that are shown and describedseparately may also be combined in a single device or single step. Forexample, steps that are described sequentially may be simultaneous. Inaddition, steps described sequentially in one order may be performed inanother order.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electric machine, comprising: a polyphasemachine; a power inverter electrically connected to the polyphasemachine; and a controller electrically connected to the power inverter,wherein the controller receives a user torque command request for thepolyphase machine to transition from a first torque to a second torqueand wherein the controller provides switching signals to the powerinverter, wherein the controller comprises a trajectory calculator thatprovides an optimized trajectory for transitioning the polyphase machinefrom the first torque to the second torque.
 2. The electric machine, asrecited in claim 1, wherein the trajectory calculator provides theoptimized trajectory based on at least one of Maximum Torque Per Amp(MTPA), Maximum Torque Per Loss (MTPL), Maximum Torque Per Flux (MTPF),Maximum Torque Per Volt (MTPV), and a computer optimized trajectory. 3.The electric machine, as recited in claim 1, wherein the trajectorycalculator uses at least one of at least one of Optimal Torque RateLimiting for Maximum Bus Voltage Utilization, Optimal Id/Iq RateLimiting/Voltage Angle for Maximum Bus Voltage Utilization, Open Loop IqControl with Iq Feedback as Id Reference to provide the optimizedtrajectory, and any other computer generated optimal trajectory.
 4. Theelectric machine, as recited in claim 3, wherein the trajectorycalculator uses a lookup table.
 5. The electric machine, as recited inclaim 1, wherein the trajectory calculator provides an optimizedtrajectory that minimizes losses and wherein the electric machinefollows the optimized trajectory.
 6. The electric machine, as recited inclaim 1, wherein the trajectory calculator provides at least one voltagemagnitude and at least one voltage vector angle.
 7. An electric machine,comprising: a polyphase machine; a power inverter electrically connectedto the polyphase machine; a controller electrically connected to thepower inverter, wherein the controller provides switching signals to thepower inverter, wherein the controller comprises a trajectory calculatorthat provides an optimized trajectory for transitioning the polyphasemachine from a first torque to a second torque; and a pulsed torquecontroller connected to the controller that provides pulsed torquesignals to the controller.
 8. The electric machine, as recited in claim7, torque controller provides a pulsed periodic torque operation betweenthe first torque and the second torque with a period of less than onesecond.
 9. The electric machine, as recited in claim 8, wherein thepulsed periodic torque operation provides an overall average systemoutput having a higher energy conversion efficiency during the pulsedperiodic torque operation of the electric machine than the electricmachine would have when operated at a third torque that would berequired to drive the electric machine in a continuous manner to deliverthe same average output.
 10. The electric machine, as recited in claim9, wherein the period is a period that provides reduced noise,vibration, and hardness.
 11. A method for transitioning a polyphasemachine from a first torque level to a second torque level, where thepolyphase machine is controlled by a controller, comprising: receiving auser torque command request for the polyphase machine to transition froma first torque to a second torque; and providing an optimized trajectoryfrom the controller to the polyphase machine, wherein the optimizedtrajectory provides an optimized trajectory for transitioning thepolyphase machine from the first torque level to the second torquelevel.
 12. The method, as recited in claim 11, wherein the controllerprovides a series of voltages to the polyphase machine in order toprovide the optimized trajectory.
 13. The method, as recited in claim11, wherein the optimized trajectory is based on at least one of MaximumTorque Per Amp (MTPA), Maximum Torque Per Loss (MTPL), Maximum TorquePer Flux (MTPF), or Maximum Torque Per Volt (MTPV).
 14. The method, asrecited in claim 11, wherein the optimized trajectory is provided by atleast one of at least one of Optimal Torque Rate Limiting for MaximumBus Voltage Utilization, Optimal Id/Iq Rate Limiting/Voltage Angle forMaximum Bus Voltage Utilization, Open Loop Iq Control with Iq Feedbackas Id Reference, and any other computer generated optimal trajectory.15. The method, as recited in claim 14, wherein the optimized trajectorythat provides reduced noise, vibration, and hardness.
 16. The method, asrecited in claim 11, wherein the optimized trajectory minimizes lossesand wherein the polyphase machine follows the optimized trajectory. 17.A method for transitioning a polyphase machine from a first torque levelto a second torque level, where the polyphase machine is controlled by acontroller, comprising: providing an optimized trajectory from thecontroller to the polyphase machine, wherein the optimized trajectoryprovides an optimized trajectory for transitioning the polyphase machinefrom the first torque level to the second torque level, wherein thecontroller provides a series of voltages to the polyphase machine inorder to provide the optimized trajectory, wherein the controllerfurther provides a vector voltage angle.
 18. A method for transitioninga polyphase machine from a first torque level to a second torque level,where the polyphase machine is controlled by a controller, comprising:providing an optimized trajectory from the controller to the polyphasemachine, wherein the optimized trajectory provides an optimizedtrajectory for transitioning the polyphase machine from the first torquelevel to the second torque level; and providing pulsed torque signals toprovide a pulsed periodic torque operation between a first torque leveland a second torque level, wherein the pulsed periodic torque operationhas a period of less than one second.
 19. The method, as recited inclaim 18, wherein the first and second torque levels and period providean overall average system output having a higher energy conversionefficiency during the pulsed periodic torque operation of the polyphasemachine than the polyphase machine would have when operated at a thirdtorque level that would be required to drive the polyphase machine in acontinuous manner to deliver the same average output.
 20. The method, asrecited in claim 19, wherein the period is a period that providesreduced noise, vibration, and hardness.